The Coming Age of Calm Technology

The coming age of calm technology
by Mark Weiser and John Brown
October, 1996

I think that what Mark Weiser and John Brown are trying to say is that one of the biggest issues regarding the interaction man/computer, is that most of the times we don't have a direct contact with what occurs inside our computer. We don't see and we don't know what is going on. So, when something unexpected occurs, all we can see is a container with some irrelevant content that we don't understand.

What I think, is that our knowledge regarding the way our computers work, is not enough edvanced for us to solve problems. At the same time, it is relatively easy to work on many applications.
Designers and engeneers have been working on making computers very friendly and easy, working on the design and functionality of basic and simple interfaces. In this way a user is induced into certain aspectations on the functioning of his or her computer.
Therefore, when something goes wrong, we don't expect it, so we panic. In a way, its as if we were tricked into thinking that we know how to use computers because we can interact with the interface, but we actually know very very little. In order to learn and interact in a basic way is something that people have learned and achieved very easily.

If I think of a calm approach to computers, I think of a person that has control, that knows what the actions and reactions of a computer can be. By adding more information onto computers, could be a solution, though, what I see to be the central problem, is the capability of the user to read and fully understand the information that she or he is given. For example, in order to drive cars, people have to have a driver's license. People need to lear basic knowledge on the cars functioning, traffic, one needs to learn how to interact with the steering weel, pedals and so on.

I think that in order to interact with computers in a more natural confident and calm way, people need to know more. People need to have the tools to feel more secure and comfortable with what they do. Panic takes place when we are lost, when we don't have enough knowledge to know how to take the next step.